Re: JI: What is that packing stuff?

In a message dated 97-08-27 03:39:20 EDT, you write:

>Hi everyone,
>Here's a probably-dumb question:  What is that stuff my Japanese iris is
>packed in?  I just received my order from Aitken's (very, very nice, thank
>you Terry and Scott).  I ordered one Japanese iris, ROSE QUEEN (check out
the
>photo in the Random House Perennials if you have it).  This is my very first
>Japanese iris and it is packed in this stuff that looks like crumbled
>gelatin.  So, what is it?  What do I do with it?  Can I use it in the
>planting hole?  Should I put it down the drain, or will it mess up my septic
>tank?  

Hi Mary... as everyone has told you, that stuff is a water holding polymer
that many plant vendors use in their packing material.  I've had a little
experience with it otherwise, so I have SOME intelligence on its value in the
garden.

First of all... you can mail order the stuff under several names... and some
nurseries may carry it.  To mix it, put a small amount of the granules in a
bucket and fill the bucket with water.  Then go read a book or lay in the
sun.  In about 1/2 hour you'll find your bucket full of gelatin... but broken
up into little water sacks.... very cool!  A tree wholesaler here dips his
seedlings in the stuff before packing to keep them moist, as Terry Aitken
does.

BUT... you can also use them in potted plants.... put some soil in the
pot.... mix in the hydrated crystals.. and continue planting.  I did this
with some hostas and never watered ALL summer!  I have also mixed some into
planting holes... but since I am ANYTHING but scientific... I didn't note
which ones (just whenever I was in the mood), so I can't tell you if there's
a difference.

On the daylily robin, there is at least one person who has used polymers
extensively through his garden with good results.  Claims it cuts down on
watering and the plants are healthier.  (He's in one of the Carolinas...
can't remember which) BUT.. a caution...  I potted some Japanese one year
with polymer and wintered them over under the usual mulch.  Every single one
died... while those withOUT polymers did fine.  Can't 'splain why this is so,
but it just is.

I've been trying to get Ensata Gardens to do some controlled experiments with
JI's and polymers.... under the category of "you take the risk and tell me
how you do".  They aren't going for it. 

Kathyguest...  who loves to run her hands throught those squishy things....
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